International Studies Certificate, International Relations Concentration

The International Studies Certificate integrates a wide variety of existing courses into a cohesive whole focusing on international issues. This program of study is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the new world system; a world system in which nongovernmental actors are proliferating, global communications networks multiplying, world travel expanding and in which states are becoming increasingly interdependent. The Certificate is particularly useful for students pursuing careers in the foreign service, international institutions, nongovernmental international organizations, international business and tourism. The International Studies Certificate aims both to ready students for careers in the new world system and to foster global understanding.

The International Studies Certificate requires two years of a foreign language with prerequisite preparation in general education courses that emphasize world geography and culture. The core courses, also at the lower-division level, emphasize international political and economic structures and interrelationships. The student then chooses an area for concentrated study. Students can either choose to concentrate in the area of international relations or in the area of tourism (for the latter, see information under the Business Administration section of the catalog within the College of Business and Economics). The concentrations are comprised of upper-division courses, which consider issues in a global context and stress cross-national understanding. The Certificate is notable for having a capstone seminar study or study abroad feature providing hands-on experience for the student.

The International Relations Concentration Option is intended to familiarize students with the relations among nations and other actors in the international system. This option will focus on the institutions and agencies through which states and groups of people interact at the global level. Consideration will also be given to the political, social and cultural practices of the different people who comprise the global system. This option is particularly useful for students pursuing careers in international service or in international business or nongovernmental organizations.

International Studies Certificate, International Relations Concentration Website

Visit the International Studies Certificate, International Relations Concentration website.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the International Studies Certificate (International Relations Concentration), students will be able to do the following:

understand major themes of global studies and current status and trend of globalization;
develop the theoretical expertise necessary to explain global issues and to anticipate emerging threats, challenges, and opportunities in the global arena;
identify key institutions and dynamics in the development of the contemporary international system as well as their historical foundations;
recognize the differences of nations in political, economic, social, religious and cultural areas as well as models of development;
apply relevant methodologies to produce research papers on global issues;
demonstrate basic proficiency in a language in addition to English.